In 2002 a band takes the stage at Kirstenbosch gardens for their first gig. A band that truly represents South Africa. A band that has a vibe and style so different everyone has their doubts whether they will make it in a climate of produced Britney Pop, Rap and Hip-Hop. They are a mixed group with completely different backgrounds, and completely different influences but there is one thing that unites them. They live in the world’s favourite fledgling democracy and they have an unequalled passion for sound, music and melody.

In 2005 they return to Kirstenbosch gardens to play a capacity crowd of 8000, they have an album out called Nomvula which will go on to sell 200 000 copies, are getting radio play on every radio station in the country and have 200 gigs scheduled for the year. In short, a nation has embraced freshly ground.

Well, here we are in 2007 and they’ve had successful European tours and even an MTV Award to show for Nomvula. They’ve even had the opportunity to play at Life’s Greatest Weekend Out. The question on everyone’s lips? What’s next? The answer? Ma’Cheri!

One of the great things about the Freshlyground crew is that they’ve remained level headed and focused on what they love and why they formed to spread their message through Music. The first single off Ma’Cheri is Pot Belly, which is currently playing on Jacaranda 94.2 and this truly is a taste of what to expect on the much anticipated follow-up album.

“Even though I have fat thighs, flabby arms, a pot belly gives good loving”

Zolani isn’t afraid to tell it like it is and as with the previous album we are going to be singing along to our favourite summer hit making no sense at all. How many times before have you sang along to “Do bee do bee do” in true Idols audition style knowing that you probably sound like a little one teething. On Ma’Cheri you can expect nothing less, wait till “Go Gorilla” hits the airwaves. For me it’s this playful “we shouldn’t take ourselves too seriously” message that makes Freshlyground great. The fact that their unique Afro centric pop blends so well, makes this another album where black and white, jazz and rock, dance and reggae unite under one umbrella.

It’s almost like the album has been engineered to have a little something for everyone. They evoke real emotion with “Pink Confetti” and “Crimson Smile” and then, just as you start feeling sad, they’ll tickle your feet with “Zulu Lounge”. Even if it does feel a little commercial, it really does make you feel like you’re walking through an African art gallery experiencing our rainbow culture. And if the band’s confidence is anything to go by, we’ll soon be saying good bye to “Our” band and see them permanently setting sail to conquer the world.

So if your pot belly gives good loving, go out and get Ma’Cheri.